Best 80s Sci Fi Movies with Awesome Special Effects

The best '80s sci fi movies helped to establish the guidelines that future movies would follow. The best '80s sci fi movies had to rely on creative special effects and not computers to tell their stories. If you want an appreciation of the creativity it takes to make a movie, then check out the best 80s sci fi movies ever made.

"Aliens" (1986). The movie "Aliens" (1986) was the sequel to the very popular "Alien" (1979) but added a whole different dimension to the story. The heroes were no longer dealing with just one alien, they were dealing with an army of them. This movie also helped to add new elements to the "Alien" story line such as emotional contact with the aliens.

"The Terminator" (1984). The list of reasons why "The Terminator" (1984) is one of th best '80s sci fi movies is long and impressive. The special effects in this movie were groundbreaking, and most of them were done without computers. The robot effects and battle scenes in this movie were unlike anything anyone had ever seen before.

"Blade Runner" (1982). Many people who saw "Blade Runner" (1982) have almost no idea what was going on. But it makes the list as one of the best '80s sci fi movies because of its incredible special effects and sets. The futuristic city in which the characters live is incredible, and the final climactic scene is unexpected and spectacular.

"Star Wars – Episode VI: Return of the Jedi" (1983). Prior to "Return of the Jedi" (1983), most of the "Star Wars" special effects were done against a dark background. The thing that made this movie so amazing is the light sabre fights, laser blasts and military battles that happened in broad daylight. It took George Lucas' special effects abilities to an entirely new level and was definitely one of the best '80s sci fi movies.

"The Thing" (1982). Something is chasing around a crew of scientists working on an arctic lab and no one knows exactly what it looks like. They don't know what it looks like because it has the ability to look like anything it wants. A brilliant story told with terrifying special effects.